Already the largest of the Minnesota Army National Guard's four major subordinate commands, the 1/34th ABCT has seen a new field artillery battery added to their 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, as well as the addition of the 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment out of Stowe, Ohio, which is aligned for training The 1/34th Brigade Special Troops Battalion was also converted into the 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion, adding additional engineering capabilities to the unit

"There are three types of brigade combat teams in the Army Force Structure - armored, infantry, and Stryker," Intress explains "Each come with the correct types of support elements embedded within their force structure so that they can be mobilized, deployed and utilized in an austere environment They are self-supporting, so they are 'plug-and-play' into any larger organization"

That self-supporting capacity, however, would not be possible without a trained and capable force In terms of readiness, the 1/34th ABCT was number one in the Army National Guard force structure

"That level of readiness will pay us some huge dividends over the next two years," said Intress

The brigade has begun its progression towards a high-level exercise at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, Calif Before that takes place in 2016, there are two other events that the Soldiers will be participating in first

In April 2015, the brigade will conduct a Brigade Warfighter Exercise (BWFX) at Camp Ripley Training Center in order to provide a virtual battlefield with realistic demands designed to hone battle management skills and point the 1/34th ABCT in the right direction for its Exportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) Rotation and NTC Rotation

"Following the training of our warfighter where we're doing the validation and training of our battalion and brigade staff officers and their commanders, we'll be doing an XCTC rotation that will be done up at Camp Ripley," said Intress "It will be a 21-day annual training period for our battalions and it's really focused on what we call platoon-collective training, really getting after the Army mission that our small units are directed to do"

The capstone of this training series will be an opportunity to perform at the NTC This rotation is usually reserved for active-duty units The 1/34th ABCT will be the only National Guard brigade going to the NTC in 2016 The opportunity is not only unique for a National Guard unit, but also beneficial for tough, realistic training to help improve the force and prepare for success

"The training requirements are going to be many, but the reward at the end of that NTC is really second to none," Intress emphasized "It will be a highlight and true validation of everything that our Soldiers have put forth in their military career in the most rigorous training environment that the Army can replicate"

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.